the repeal of california's death penalty. ktvu's health and science editor john fowler is here with a look. >> reporter: a moral, ethical and economic debate, does the death penalty help protect us? >> reporter: prop 34 would repeal the death penalty. instituting life without parole. retroactive for the 725 right now. a 17% undecided. but a trend just the last two weeks, yes, jumped 4 points to 45%. could prop 34 pass? >> that is unknown at this point but it stands a better chance today than three weeks ago. >> reporter: the cost argument, $100 million a year to keep it. there are strong arguments on both sides. >> what is the right punishment for the evil? it isn't just about the killer. >> it is about public policy. how do we spend, what keeps us safer? >> yes, it is cheaper to lock them up than to execute them. >> we waste a bunch of money either way. >> reporter: our poll found religious differences. catholics favorites it. prodstants oppose it -- pausestants oppose it. the bay area supports repealing the death penalty. s